General Practice Flashcards

A patient calls requesting their lab results over the phone. The medical administrative assistant should:

Answer: Verify the patient's identity before releasing any information

Patient identity must be verified before releasing any protected health information to comply with HIPAA.

Which form is used by patients to authorize the release of their medical records to a third party?

Answer: Authorization for Release of Medical Information

An Authorization for Release of Medical Information form is the proper document patients sign to allow their records to be shared with a third party.

When scheduling a follow-up appointment for a patient who requires an interpreter, the CMAA should:

Answer: Document the interpreter requirement and arrange services in advance

Documenting and arranging interpreter services in advance ensures the patient receives appropriate care and supports ADA and Title VI compliance.

A superbill (encounter form) is PRIMARILY used to:

Answer: Capture diagnosis and procedure codes for billing purposes

A superbill captures ICD and CPT codes along with fee information needed to generate an insurance claim or patient bill.

The term 'accounts receivable' in a medical office refers to:

Answer: Money owed to the practice by patients and insurers

Accounts receivable represents funds owed to the practice for services already rendered but not yet collected.

Which scheduling method sets aside specific time slots each day for walk-in or urgent patients?

Answer: Modified wave scheduling

Modified wave scheduling builds in buffer slots at predictable intervals to accommodate urgent or walk-in patients without disrupting the schedule.

An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) sent by an insurer to the practice primarily shows:

Answer: How the insurer processed the claim and what was paid or denied

An EOB details the claim adjudication — amounts billed, allowed, paid by insurance, and any patient responsibility or denial reasons.